It's easy to overlook certain things when you're staring down the barrel of a divorce proceeding. Regardless of who initiates it, both parties have the potential to be caught off guard by the choices their spouse makes. Being prepared to take necessary actions can help you avoid putting yourself in harm's way, and minimize potential conflict prior to your divorce being finalized.

Personal Space

Whether you serve your spouse with divorce papers in person, or you choose to announce your intentions prior to drawing up an agreement, being able to retreat to neutral corners is important. Not only will you and your spouse have time to cool down after a potentially volatile situation, but you'll both be secure in the knowledge that your property isn't in someone else's possession. Early on, it's better to voluntarily leave than to make your shared residence a battle zone.

While not required in all states, a period of separation may be necessary prior to your divorce being finalized. Make sure you check on divorce statutes in your state to be certain of the duration for separation before moving forward with a divorce proceeding. Even if it isn't a requirement though, sharing a residence during a divorce can put everyone on edge, and may put you in physical danger if your spouse responds poorly to the news.

Financial Security

Most married couples end up with some joint banking accounts, and others may go further than that. Whatever your financial situation, it's a good idea to plan for a loss of access to certain accounts, either voluntarily or by court order. Set up a secondary bank account and begin using it as your primary method of payment well ahead of making your intentions known.

When emotions run high, as with during a divorce, there can be a temptation to do harm to the person you view as responsible. To make it easier to resist that temptation, separating your money from your spouse's is just prudent. This will also make it easier to leave other financial accounts alone in the event that the divorce proceedings end up going before a judge. Showing a willingness to leave potential marital assets alone, pending a resolution, can be a sign of good faith on your part.

Your personal space, your personal finances and your own peace of mind should be high on your list of priorities. Make sure that you take steps to protect those priorities long before you make your intentions known. Doing so will give you a leg up as the divorce process gets rolling, and give you a chance to spend time apart from your spouse without worry. For further assistance, contact a local divorce lawyer, such as one from Backus Law Group.